A Framework of Assessing Remaining Fatigue Life of Aged Crane Structures

Abstract

The fatigue life of crane steel structure will inevitably decrease in the course of work, which directly affects the work of crane. So the correct fatigue life evaluation is necessary. Based on crack propagation theory, a framework of assessing remaining fatigue life of crane metal structures is built in this paper. Moreover, in order to descript the analysis process, an example about fatigue life estimation of a shipbuilding gantry crane whose maximum hoist 100 ton was shown. During assessment of remaining fatigue life of aged crane structure, some important indexes were inspected such as corrosion，strength and defection in focused weld joints, besides of finite element simulation of structure. The results can also be used to evaluate the whole metal structure of this crane.

Experimental Assessment of Time-Limited Operation and Rectification of a Bridge Crane

“…Kopnov [1] investigated the fatigue durability of a gantry crane used in the forest industry. Qi et al [2] evaluated the safety and analysed the fatigue durability of crane construction. Rettenmeier et al [3] addressed the assessment of crack propagation in crane runway girders being travelled over by wheel loads, and in [4] addressed a fatigue evaluation procedure to assess the influence of multiaxial stress states caused by both traveling crane wheel loads and welding residual stresses on the lifetime of crane runway girders.…”

Integrated Approach to Determine Operational Integrity of Crane Metal Structure

“…People's lives depend on the safety of their operation. Major factors limiting the productivity, reliability, life cycle of cranes and affecting the safety of its operation are metal structures and dynamic loads from vibrations [1][2][3][4][5]. The cost of crane metal structures is about 70 % of the total crane cost.…”